On the BBC Radio 4 programme, Mr Hurley likened the situation in Surrey to that of Rotherham between 1997 and 2013 which involved the systematic abuse of young girls, predominately by men of Pakistani heritage.

He said: “He should resign and not stand as PCC for the next election.

“He has liken the situation of child protection in Surrey to that in Rotherham at its worst. That is really outrageous, it has never reached that stage and never will.

“Lynne Owens, Surrey Police and Surrey County Council decided they did not want to be in that situation and brought independent people to look at what they were doing regarding child protection and gave them advice, and they have acted on that advice.

“Mr Hurley has been in that position since 2012 and did not appear to notice the situation and the need to act. In fact he agreed with the course of action that Lynne Owens and the county council did to protect children.

“Perhaps he is making these comments as he is coming up for re-election and he is trying to raise his profile, it is curious.

“He is a former Met officer, Lynne Owens started below him and past above him.”